Confusion and chaos reigned in the Western Cape on Monday as some schools reopened, others did not and others were forced to close by protesting parents.
Police had to be called in to Joe Slovo High School as parents and the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the area forced teachers out of the classrooms,
saying no schools will open in Khayelitsha until they are satisfied that it is safe to do so.
“Teachers are trained to teach, not sanitise children,” said SANCO chairperson Vuyiswa Madubela.
“We are going around every school in Khayelitsha and closing them down until we are satisfied that it is safe to open them.
“We have been monitoring everything since the announcement that schools will reopen, our schools were not disinfected.”
Teachers had no choice, but to leave.
PROTEST: Parents shut Joe Slovo High School in Khayelitsha. Video: Velani Ludidi
Western Cape schools went ahead and reopened despite basic education minister Angie Motshekga announcing on Sunday night that the reopening of schools would be postponed until next
Monday.
Motshekga reiterated this during another press briefing yesterday, saying only two provinces - Gauteng and Western Cape - were ready to open so far.
However, Western Cape Education MEC Debbie Schafer is not budging and says the province is ready to receive the Grade 7s and Grade 12 pupils.
“The national briefing today does not affect our statement from (Sunday), Western Cape schools opened today and continue as planned,” her spokesperson Kerry Mauchline said.
ASSURANCES: Education MEC Debbie Schafer
In Bishop Lavis, residents held a picket outside Bergville Primary School.
The protest started from 7am, with residents calling for the school to remain closed due to the pandemic.
The media was also not allowed to enter any schools in the province.
“There is a concern, also expressed by our principals, that the media can expose our staff to the virus,” said Mauchline.
But despite Schafer’s reassurances, teachers in Mitchells Plain claimed their schools were not ready to open and that is the
reason why the media was not allowed in.
At Nyanga High School, operations went smoothly as matrics returned.
PRECAUTIONS: One of the schools where pupils wore masks in classroom
The school had orientation on Sunday, prepping staff and pupils on how learning would continue.
Mauchline said more schools would be opening today after the confusion was cleared.
“Initial reports indicate that over 98% of our schools reopened (Monday),” she said.
“Less than 2% did not open as a result of cleaning due to a positive Covid-19 case, protest action which prevented learners from entering, or informed parents that they were not opening. The WCED will engage with these schools.
“Some schools, due to the confusion with the statement by the DBE did not open, but have been informed to do so tomorrow.”